Tama Art University

The use of a wood block or metal plate provides printmaking with special characteristics and a wide range of expression. Printing techniques, which exploit the nature of the printing surface, ink, and paper expand the range of opportunities for expression and inspire printmakers to develop their own artistic world. A combination of manual skills such as drawing and carving and scientific knowledge related to the materials is essential, and acts as a powerful creative stimulus. The fact that multiple copies of a work can be produced from one plate or block is another important feature.

The long history of printing art in Japan dates back to the Edo period (1600-1868). Japanese woodblock prints, ukiyo-e, are highly regarded in other countries and had a great influence on Western artists. For instance, ukiyoe stimulated the Impressionists to express their ideas more freely. Therefore, Japanese prints occupy a unique and important position in the modern history of European art. At present, many Japanese printmakers receive printmaking awards in international competitions and Japanese printmaking circles are very active in international exchanges.

TAU is one of only a few Japanese art universities which offer a full printmaking course from the first year. The aim of the Printmaking Course is to provide students with a broad range of practical and theoretical knowledge on which to base their research. For four years, students have the opportunity to work freely, making use of excellent facilities. In the first-year basic curriculum, students learn a wide range of techniques, including woodblock printing, wood-engraving, etching, mezzotint, drypoint, lithography, woodcut lithography, silkscreen and digital printing. In the remainder of the course, students focus on one branch of printmaking and develop their own expressive approach. At the same time, the course encourages the search for innovative techniques and exploration of the full potential of printmaking.

Educational field (printmaking)

Woodblock printing, copperplate printing, lithography, silkscreen, and collage

Introductory education

• Students learn basic techniques, such as woodblock printing, copperplate printing, lithography and silkscreen.
• Students gain experience in handling printmaking materials including metals, wood and inks.
• Students make prints using their own imagination.
• Students explore the expressive possibilities of the printing surface.

Basic curriculum

• Students study the basic characteristics of a selected technique and explore its possibilities.
• The curriculum encourages students to research into tools and materials which will enhance the printmaking process.
• Students learn the basics of visual art and develop their creativity and ideas through the practice of drawing, three-dimensional work, and collage.

Special curriculum

• Students build on their acquired skills to produce more sophisticated work.
• By designing their own curriculum, students deepen their understanding of their chosen theme, and clarify the direction of their research.
• In order to help students expand their perception of their selected field, guest lecturers from various fields are invited to talk about different approaches to self-expression in modern society.
• As a graduation project, students complete large-scale works based on their studies.

Graduate school

• Students acquire advanced techniques and special knowledge to express their abilities.
• To broaden their perspective, students experiment with non-printmaking techniques.
• Through practice and research, students reflect on their future careers and connection to society.
• The school encourages students to enter competitions in Japan and other countries.